Use a power converter(or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 230 volt Maldivian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in The Maldives, therefore please check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for The Maldives otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic hair dryer might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [13]

Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle the 230 volts used in The Maldives you run the potential risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair dryer in The Maldives check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Best travel hair dryers for The Maldives

An ALCI safety plug

Choosing the best hair dryer

When looking for the best travel hair dryer choose a sturdy but light dual-voltage model which will work with a 230 volt Maldivian power outlet power outlet with an ALCI safety plug, a folding handle and long cord. If drying thick hair look for one which includes a bundled diffuser that has a faster 1600+ watt dryer.

Things to consider when purchasing a blow dryer

Rather than looking for expensive 3rd party attachments to fit the dryer barrel size perfectly it could be more convenient purchasing a dryer that is supplied with both a diffuser and a concentrator.

Some hotel rooms in The Maldives might have a fixed mirror positioned some distance away from a outlet making it cumbersome to dry hair, therefore when buying a travel hair dryer shop for the lengthiest power cord available or pack either an extension cord or pocket mirror.

The best travel hair dryers for styling should give control of both speed and temperature settings with low and high options - lower temperatures with slower speeds reduce damage to hair and a hotter faster speed can quickly dry thicker hair.

Curlier or thicker hair might need a hair dryer which has a stronger motor; a higher wattage ceramic model which includes a diffuser will dry hair faster, thereby preventing damage.

Safe travel hair dryers will include an ALCI safety plug which reduces the risk of the motor overloading leading to electrical fires; these can be recognised by the two 'test' and 'reset' buttons.

Look for lighter travel dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, dryers which have a folding handle mean more space.

You shouldn't risk getting the cheapest dryer; as well as concerns with safety there is also a greater risk that the dryer could break during your trip abroad due to a poor build.

A cool shot option on modern hair dryers can quickly cool down hair after drying to hold in the style but this feature could be missing in cheaper dryers.

To operate in The Maldives a travel hair dryer has to support dual voltage.

Which is a good folding travel hair dryer for The Maldives?

A Conair Compact Styler uses a powerful two speed 1875 watt motor, has a removable filter and features cool shot that can be used to rapidly cool down hair.

The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also has cool shot, a ceramic tourmaline air outlet for negative ions resulting in safer drying, twin heat settings, a longer 1.8m electric power cable and also comes with a concentrator.

Which is a good blow dryer for thick and curly hair?

Thick hair takes longer to dry and could be difficult to do so without your hair turning frizzy, the best option is an ionic dryer and for curly thick hair use a diffuser as both are suitable to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Both an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are suitable because they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers - avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor which is less powerful than 1600 watts as this won't be strong enough. [16][17]

Which is the best small ionic dual voltage hair dryer for The Maldives?

For quickly drying fine and thin hair on the go then a ceramic 1200 watt Conair MiniPRO is the best value small ionic hair dryer available to buy.

A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is lightweight enough to carry in a purse due to it's 10.5 ounce body and folding handle and has options found on larger hair dryers such as a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect from heat damage for a shinier finish.

Both of these are dual voltage mini hair dryers when used with a suitable plug adapter for a Maldivian power outlet they should work in The Maldives and fold conveniently making them small enough to be carried for styling on the go. Both have a 1.5 metre power cord, a two speed motor and include a concentrator attachment. [18][18][19]

What is a good dual voltage hair dryer with a diffuser attachment?

A X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic has a 1600 watt motor with a 1.65 metre power cord, it includes a tourmaline diffuser however is missing a cool shot button.

The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer features a generous 1.82 metre power cable for more freedom when drying with an ALCI safety plug and removable filter to clean. With a powerful 1875 watt motor it includes cool shot making it more suited for styling thick hair.

Both ionic travel hair dryers include both concentrator and diffuser with powerful enough motors to make them the best travel hair dryers for thick hair. They are lightweight and fold up to fit into a carry-on bag and only require a suitable cheap plug adapter for The Maldives to fit into a Maldivian power outlet. [16][17][17]

Plug Type K - This wall outlet, technically known as a type K power outlet, looks like three holes in an inverted triangle shape with the bottom hole appearing semicircular in shape.

Plug Type L - You can recognise the squashed hexagon shaped wall outlet by three large round adjecent holes forming a line. There are two types of Type L plug socket rated for 10 amps and 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm thick round pins spaced 5.5mm apart and a 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick round pins that are spaced 8mm apart.

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can I use a dual voltage hair dryer in The Maldives?

Check that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer or that it works with a 230 volt power outlet.

If the dryer is dual voltage then make sure that it is switched to operate within the 220-240v range. The switch is normally found on the base or handle of the blow dryer and may require a screwdriver or coin to switch.

Plug your hair dryer into the correct power adapter for The Maldives, also plug in the power adapter into the Maldivian power outlet.

It is normal for most dual voltage hair dryers operating within the 220-240v range to only work safely on their lowest speed setting, but this temperature should be sufficient enough for drying hair. Always check the hair dryer instructions to see if this is appropriate for your model of dryer to avoid the risk of overheating.

The hair dryer is now ready to operate in The Maldives.

The Maldives

2017-10-13

How do I switch a dual voltage hair dryer?

Normal dual voltage hair dryers have some type of switch which selects between 2 voltages however some models are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in The Maldives.

The switch or dial needs a coin or screwdriver to set the hair dryer to the correct voltage between a 220v-240v range or a 110v-120v range.

In addition to switching this over it is worth making a note of both switch positions as the painted numbers can sometimes fade on certain models of travel hair dryer.

Single voltage hair dryer

How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your hair dryer supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your hair dryer. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair dryer and should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other hair dryer models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 230 volts used in The Maldives then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a Maldivian power outlet.

A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Maldivian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in The Maldives.

A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in The Maldives or any other country.

Travelling to The Maldives with a hair dryer

Are there hair dryers in hotel rooms in The Maldives?

It will all depend on the hotel and the quality of the room. Hotel hair dryers are typically found in the bathroom, these could be a slower air hose variety, or might be located in a bedroom wardrobe, drawer or cupboard.
If staying in budget motels, hotels and hostels a communal hair dryer could be available at the reception but that might involve waiting in turn for other guests.
If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer availability then either telephone the hotel in The Maldives or look on the booking web site to find out if a suitable hairdryer available for guests.
Hotel hair dryers are usable but normally rudimentary models lacking a diffuser and notorious for providing slower air speeds and low heat.
Those worried about hygiene should remove burnt hair cuticles from previous guests on a shared hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have removed this when cleaning the room.

Should you bring a travel hair dryer or domestic blow dryer to The Maldives?

Packing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing your existing blow dryer to The Maldives (typically marked with 'For domestic use only') as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Maldivian power outlet (as long as you use the correct power adapter for The Maldives).
Certain types of travel hair dryer will typically feature a collapsible handle and are lighter which will help in reducing the size and weight when packed in travellers luggage compared to bringing a domestic hair dryer.

Note that bringing an expensive domestic blow dryer might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your luggage by an airport baggage handler.
The costs involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic blow dryer in The Maldives could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel hair dryer[2] with a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .
[22]

Is a blowdryer allowed onboard a flight in The Maldives?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to The Maldives will allow a blow dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the hair dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as hair dryers). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.
[22][23][24]

Power converters for The Maldives

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter for The Maldives?

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Maldivian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt hair dryer, but a cheaper and smaller power adapter(or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to slot into a power outlet in The Maldives. [13]

Do I need a converter to use a hair dryer in The Maldives?

A power converter(or voltage transformer) allows a hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in The Maldives. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing hair dryer, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer[2]. Also worth noting, a travel hair dryer can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel hair dryer more suited for packing in luggage. [13]

How to use a hair dryer in The Maldives using a type D power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in The Maldives with a three prong Type D travel adapter.

Ensure that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer[2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your hair dryer, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.

If the plug shape on your hair dryer isn't the same type of outlet which is used in The Maldives you'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter[4]. This power adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in The Maldives by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.

Start the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the Maldivian power outlet. The plug supply, sometimes called a Type D power outlet[3], looks like three round holes forming a triangle configuration.

Then plug in the hair dryer into the Type D plug adapter.

Turn on the Maldivian power outlet.

The hair dryer can now be used in The Maldives.

How to use a hair dryer in The Maldives using a type G power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in The Maldives with a three pin Type G travel adapter.

Please ensure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer[2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Travel hair dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in The Maldives; refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.

If the type of power outlet which is used in The Maldives won't take the plug on your hair dryer you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter[6]. The Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with a power outlet used in The Maldives simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.

Firstly insert the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by 3 rectangular holes with plastic shutters in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground.

Next plug in the hair dryer into the Type G plug adapter.

Turn on the Maldivian power outlet.

The hair dryer can now be used in The Maldives.

How to use a hair dryer in The Maldives using a type J power adapter

Instructions showing how to use your hair dryer in The Maldives with a three pinned Type J travel charger.

Please make sure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer[2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel blow dryers usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in The Maldives; consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.

If the plug on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in The Maldives you'll need to use a Type J plug adapter[8]. The Type J plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in The Maldives simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.

Plug the Type J plug adapter in the wall outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped plug outlet, sometimes called a Type J power outlet[7], can be recognised by the three large circular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins.

Next plug in your hair dryer into the Type J plug adapter.

Switch on the Maldivian power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in The Maldives.

How to use a hair dryer in The Maldives using a type K power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a hair dryer in The Maldives with a two pin Type K travel adapter.

Ensure that the blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer[2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.

You'll need to use a Type K plug adapter[10] if the shape of plug used on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in The Maldives. This Type K plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in The Maldives simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt supply.

Begin by taking the Type K plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 3 holes in an upside-down triangular pattern and the bottom hole being semicircular in shape.

Next plug in the hair dryer into the Type K plug adapter.

Turn on the Maldivian power outlet.

The hair dryer can now be used in The Maldives.

How to use a hair dryer in The Maldives using a type L power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your hair dryer in The Maldives with a three pin Type L travel adapter.

Check that your hair dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer[2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your hair dryer or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.

You will need to bring a Type L plug adapter[12] if the type of power outlet which is used in The Maldives isn't the same shape as the plug of your hair dryer. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in The Maldives by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 230 volt outlet.

Start the process by inserting the Type L plug adapter in the Maldivian power outlet. You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped plug outlet by 3 circular adjecent holes forming a line for live, neutral and earth pins. Please note there are two variations of Type L wall supply, one rated at 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp wall supply has 4mm round pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart, whilst a 16 amp version has larger 5mm pins that are spaced 8mm apart.

Next plug in the hair dryer into the Type L plug adapter.

Switch on the Maldivian power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in The Maldives.